Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has questioned MS Dhoni’s decision-making after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by two runs on May 3 in IPL 2025.
Adam Gilchrist Questions Dhoni’s Tactics After Narrow Loss
It was the first time RCB beat CSK twice in one season. CSK are now last on the points table with just four points from 11 games.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist criticised Dhoni for giving the 19th over to Khaleel Ahmed, who had already conceded 32 runs in two overs. He felt Dhoni should have considered other bowlers like Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran, or Ravindra Jadeja.
“Tactically, I don’t know if a huge difference could have been made. Given going back to Khaleel was risky at the back end because he had gone for somewhat 32 runs in the first two overs. Maybe he could have gone to Kambhoj. Given where Noor finished, Jadeja with an extra over of spin is what he could have gone with. It’s such a mixed bag. They also bowled 45 dot balls,” Gilchrist said.
Khaleel Ahmed gave away 33 runs in the 19th over and finished with figures of 0 for 65 in just three overs, with a high economy rate of 21.70. Romario Shepherd smashed 33 runs in that over, including a six off a no-ball.
MS Dhoni’s Calm Demeanor and Leadership Scrutinized
Adam Gilchrist said that MS Dhoni usually stays calm and doesn’t show frustration. He added that he didn’t want to be too critical of Dhoni’s captaincy but felt that poor bowling had let him down.
“MS…he is never animated or shows any visible signs that he is upset. I just wonder if the energy is still being generated for him internally,” Gilchrist stated.
“Whether the brain is still ticking for him as astutely as it always has, as he edges closer and closer to the end. Be it this year or next year, whatever it is. I don’t want to critique his leadership harshly because I feel he has been let down by some bad bowling,” he added.
Adam Gilchrist said that 43-year-old MS Dhoni would never have missed a delivery like that during his prime. He pointed out that Dhoni used to hit those kinds of balls with ease in the past.
“Even MS, just a sign of where he is at. Just to miss that one…effectively it was a full toss. He never used to miss those…used to just pick them up,” he said.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru set a target of 214. MS Dhoni scored 12 off 8 balls before getting out in the final over. CSK ended on 211/5, losing by two runs.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Richest NBA Players in 2025
